Day 9: Time to get to work!

​Another eventful day on Schoolies Rev. It began with Harriet and Pravini discovering that their air conditioner had started leaking and so commenced multiple room changes among the team in order to find the right air conditioner (a necessity for those of us who do not cope with an overnight temperature of 25*C).

After breakfast, the team was off to a preschool for another feeding program. Needless to say, none of us were prepared for the adorableness that ensued. With the help of Larry, Cheng and Jenda, we sung ‘Who is the King of the jungle?’ and the ‘Hokey Pokey’ (this was a much more gentle version of our usual rendition) before playing with bubbles and skipping ropes. The program finished with a game of ‘Octopus’.
​
We returned briefly to the hotel before going to one of our new favourite cafes for lunch. After finishing lunch, some of us chose to go with Sam into the market while others sought rest back at the hotel. Those who went with Sam bought tools necessary for our work in the afternoon on the children’s home. Before beginning work on constructing a fence and clearing the rubbish, Sam gave us a quick tour around the facilities. Thirty-five children live in the home with their six carers and are regulars at the church. Sam explained that some children are orphans, others only have one parent who is unable to care for them, and the remaining children may have been sold by their families.

The team worked hard for two hours, which resulted in a much improved yard for the Children’s Home. We all enjoyed the company of the children as well as some background music. It was another hot day in Cambodia too so there were some impressive sweat patches as people climbed back into the bus, eager for a smoothie or iced drink as reward for pushing through the heat.

The evening was originally going to be spent teaching English to local students, but due to the fact that they have a test tomorrow, it was decided that we would enjoy a night off. After much-needed showers, we went to the Love Cafe for another delicious dinner but upon returning to the bus, discovered that the engine would not start. So, in true Schoolies Rev fashion, we got out and pushed the bus until the engine started. Everyone then returned to the hotel exhausted and ready for an early night.
God bless,
Rachel.